There are different streams in the Christian faith tradition that at times are unhelpfully pitted against each other. For example the charismatic stream may be emphasized in one church whereas a social justice stream may be what is valued most in another church, and so it goes. These divisions are unhelpful when compared to each other, or valued over and against one another. Every healthy church should be charismatic (spirit led and empowered), Word focused (grounded in Scripture), justice oriented (care for the poor and the marginalized), contemplative and prayerful (creating space to be still and hear from God), holy (seeking to live lives that reflect God’s character), and incarnational in the presence of Christ through sacrament and daily living.
Similarly, there can be an emphasis on personal faith vs community gathering (church) or mission to the world around us. Again, when we put these against each other or value and uphold one above another, and judge people accordingly we miss the beauty of the whole. Having said that I think there is an order that can be helpful in keeping us on track which is unrelated to importance or hierarchy. Jesus call to us and the thrust of much of Paul’s letters to the early church is for us to be followers of Jesus such that by being with him, we become like him and then live like him. It is hard to become like someone if you never spend any time with them. Similarly without being with someone and becoming like them you can’t really live like them. This process of formation, or transformation, that Jesus calls us to as followers is one of humility and emptying ourselves.
The image we find helpful in the New Testament is that of metamorphosis, where by a caterpillar is transformed into a butterfly through the miracle of re-formation and transformation. As we spend time with Jesus with an openness and desire for the Holy Spirit to change us, we become more like him in our nature and character, and in doing so become more like the Father. As we become more like Jesus, it is much easier to live like him, freely and lightly, rather than following a bunch of rules or morals. If we try to live in Christian community without first being with and becoming like Jesus, we will find it hard to forgive, to serve, to have compassion and grace. Similarly if we try to do mission or work in the world without first being with and becoming like Jesus, then it can quickly become about our efforts and just doing good deeds.
But as we spend time with Jesus through prayer, solitude, scripture reading, fasting, reflection on nature, practicing gratitude; we will find it easier to love in community and to serve on mission. In fact as we are changed these things no longer become tasks to do in order to be a “good Christian”; rather they become our lived practice flowing out of our essence as people shaped into the image of our creator God – true image bearers. So if you are finding Christian community hard, or living out your faith difficult and discouraging; can I encourage you to step back and take a break and spend some regular time with Jesus each week. These practices done with openness are what it means to abide in the vine and allow the Holy Spirit to begin to do that transformation that we can’t do ourselves. In doing so we will learn to live into Jesus invitation to come away with him and learn to live freely and lightly. To learn the unforced rhythmus of grace.
Grace and Peace - Garry